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Michigan online gaming operators launch

News

Operators licensed to offer online sports betting or casino in Michigan have begun releasing details about their products, as they prepare to go live on the market today (January 22) at 12:00 EST.

Penn National Gaming, which initially received approval for sports betting only and not online casino, has announced it will launch its Barstool Sportsbook app today, and that online casino products will follow shortly thereafter.

The launch follows the opening of Penn’s retail Barstool Sportsbook, at the Greektown Casino Hotel in downtown Detroit in December last year.

“This is an exciting time to be launching our online Barstool Sportsbook in Michigan,” Jay Snowden, President and CEO of Penn National, said.

“As the only gaming operator with a fully integrated sports media and entertainment partner, Penn can provide our customers the opportunity to interact with Barstool personalities online and also in-person at our new Barstool Sportsbook at Greektown.”

Churchill Downs Incorporated is also gearing up to launch its TwinSpires branded casino and sports betting mobile app and website, which will offer both verticals from the moment the market opens.

The release follows the opening of a BetAmerica-branded retail sportsbook at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan in partnership with Hannahville Indian Community in September last year.

“We couldn’t be more excited to officially launch our state-of-the-art TwinSpires Sportsbook and iGaming platform in Michigan,” said Bill Mudd, president and chief operating officer of CDI.

“Michigan sports and gaming enthusiasts will now be able to access TwinSpires’ market-leading promotions and in-game sports betting as well as best-in-class casino iGaming product on-the-go within the state or from the comfort of their home.”

Churchill Downs recently announced that its retail, mobile and online sportsbooks in Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey and Pennsylvania will transition to the TwinSpires brand in the first half of 2021.

Meanwhile, Rush Street Interactive’s offering BetRivers.com, announced alongside today’s launch that it had entered into a multi-year partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Detroit Pistons.

The partnership will see BetRivers offer an exclusive free-to-play game, Fan Pick’Em, where Pistons fans can go directly to the Pistons app to play games and win prizes. BetRivers also intends to offer promotions for exclusive Pistons prizes.

The operator is authorized to use the official Pistons logos and marks while promoting the BetRivers brand, in a range of marketing assets including TV, radio and digital advertising.

“Michiganders love their home state NBA team and the Detroit Pistons have a rich history, winning the NBA Championship three times,” said Richard Schwartz, president of Rush Street Interactive.

“This partnership combines two organizations that share an unwavering commitment to excellence in providing sports fans with unparalleled experiences, and BetRivers.com is proud to be an official sportsbook partner of this well-respected franchise.”